VietNamNet Bridge – The long-awaited Saigon Safari on the outskirts of HCMC is far behind schedule due to site clearance delays.

The city government said that 485 hectares had been allocated to the project to develop a major center for animal watching, picnicking and research in the region and the world.

As of 2007, 96% of the total area had been cleared to make room for the Saigon Safari. However, the project has since been moving at a snail’s pace due to slow site clearance and compensation for the remaining area.

Worse still, part of the already-cleared area has been illegally occupied by individuals, further affecting the slow-moving project.

To put the project on fast track, the city government has told the chief inspector of HCMC to determine responsibilities of relevant agencies for the slowness of the project and the illegal occupancy.

The city government is now considering a plan to form a joint venture between Saigontourist Holding Company and Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens Co. Ltd. to speed up the implementation of the project.

Once in place, Saigon Safari will be the first of its kind in Vietnam. It is envisioned having a night safari, a picnicking site and a resort, among others.